CINCINNATI, OH—The leaders of five
ALPA pilot groups met in Cincinnati last week to develop a common strategy in
dealing with current and upcoming contract negotiations with their respective
managements.

The August 14th meeting provided a
forum for developing a pattern-bargaining approach to negotiations. With the
pilots of Atlantic Southeast Airlines poised to enter their sixth year of
contract negotiations, the leaders expressed concerns and discussed strategy for
this and for Mesa Air Group whose pilots are preparing to enter negotiations in
September of this year.

Comair MEC Chairman Capt. J.C.
Lawson stated, “This meeting was a tremendous success. By presenting a united
front and a common strategy, we will be able to negotiate improved contracts
that will reward pilots for all their hard work and dedication.”

Mesa Air Group MEC Chairman Capt.
Michael Jayson agreed, “Our pilots are frustrated by management’s utter
disregard for many sections of our current contract and fully appreciate the
support we receive across company lines from our fellow ALPA brothers and
sisters. By having strategic and successful meetings such as this one, we will
maximize our bargaining strength.”

ExpressJet MEC Chairman Bill
Dressler added, “The success of this meeting allows us to negotiate with
confidence with our managements. The era of managements whipsawing pilot groups
against each other to compete for flying, at the expense of all pilots, must
come to a close.”

Atlantic Southeast Airlines MEC
Chairman Dave Nieuwenhuis concluded, saying that, “We’re putting to bed any
notions our respective managements have that they are going be able to pit
pilots against each other for their gain. That’s just not going to happen.”

The meeting of the pilot leaders
focused on the common goal of building unity and reaching out to all carriers.
While more work remains, the future is coming into focus.

“What happens at one carrier is
going to affect pilots at other carriers,” Capt. Tom Wychor, MEC Chairman for
Mesaba Airlines observed. “If we watch out for one another, we protect ourselves
at the same time.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s
largest pilot union representing more than 61,000 cockpit crewmembers at 40
airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at
www.alpa.org.